ART CASTING AT
THE TRADITIONAL DE CLERQ-GINSBERG BRONZE FOUNDRY
The De Clercq-Ginsberg art foundry in Oostakker specialises in traditional artisan techniques for a variety of applications. Bronze works of art, nameplates, memorial plaques, monuments, jewellery, prototypes and design furniture are just some of the many options.
Casting bronze is a relatively intensive process and one in which good old-fashioned hard graft goes hand in hand with precision craftsmanship. Centuries-old traditional art casting techniques have been passed down through the generations and form the very heart of the De Clercq-Ginsberg art foundry, where passion, patience and experience are paramount.
Come and take a look in our workshop!
Artists are more than welcome to experience the complete transformation of their bronze artwork first hand. The general public can also visit by appointment or at specific casting sessions. You can find out more about our art casting sessions via our Facebook page.
Art casting in keeping with the ancient art
Sand casting technique and cire perdue
The De Clercq-Ginsberg art foundry specialises in art casting using the traditional sand technique or so-called lost-wax process (fonte à la cire perdue). Both these artisan casting techniques have been handed down from father to son and from master caster/master sand moulder to apprentice. In other words, our age-old craft is not learned at school; but rather on the job!
A preference for classical 90/10 bronze alloy
We prefer working with a classical 90/10 bronze alloy, which comprises 90% copper and 10% tin. The casting process for this alloy is somewhat more challenging than for the more popular tin-free, industrial silicon bronze alloy. However, the difference in quality simply cannot be overstated. Thanks to its relatively soft texture, 90/10 bronze work boasts a finer finish and the alloy lends itself particularly well to patination. And its intense, highly-distinctive, yellow-red bronze hue never fails to charm.
We make no attempt to hide our preference for the 90/10 alloy. Yet, the choice remains yours. You can alternatively request other alloys, such as aluminium, silver and brass or silicon.
The entire process under one roof
- preparing negative mould and reinforced mother mould
- applying sprues (the passages through which the bronze is introduced into the mold), air channels and reinforcements
- investing wax models (i.e. encasting them in heat-resistant material)
- melting wax (in a kiln at approx. 580 °C for approx. 1 week)
- pouring bronze into hollowed mould at approx. 1200 °C
- removing refractory cylinder casing
- removing dirt and residue via sandblasting and water jets
- chasing (also known as embossing), (i.e. removing sprues and burrs, welding and applying texture according to the original model)
Why choose art casting by the De Clercq-Ginsberg art foundry?
- 3rd generation of recognised craftsmen
- passion for profession and focused expertise
- fully equipped workshop and XL kiln (H 2.40 m)
- foreign and domestic testimonials
- bronze restoration and repairs
- both sand casting and lost-wax
- preference for 90/10 bronze alloy
- government-recognised craftsmanship
- we additionally work with silver, brass, aluminium, wrought iron, cast iron
Additionally specialised in bronze restoration and metal coatings!
We not only specialise in art casting for new artworks; you can also entrust us with the repair and restoration of damaged bronze sculptures!
You prefer the distinctive and luxurious allure of bronze, yet not at the expense of weight, production speed or price? Our metal coatings make this perfectly feasible.